Country Fever returns to Pryor

The countdown is on for this year's Country Fever. Thursday marks the return of what organizers call Oklahoma's largest outdoor country music festival. <br/><br/>It all happens about five miles

Wednesday, June 9th 2004, 5:49 am

By: News On 6

The countdown is on for this year's Country Fever. Thursday marks the return of what organizers call Oklahoma's largest outdoor country music festival.

It all happens about five miles north of Pryor. News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin has more on this year's Country Fever.

What does it take to feed and entertain 50,000 fans? With the first year already under their belts, the coordinators of this country concert have a pretty good idea and this week they plan on proving it. Event organizer Valerie Russell: "We feel like we'll definitely double attendance from last year."

Organizers won't even say the "R" word, although they are better prepared. Last year, the festival got 9-inches of rain. This year they've turned the flat lawn into a gradual slope, in hopes of avoiding a muddy mess. "I don't wanna know about the weather I don't wanna hear about it, everyone says it looks great, I don't wanna know."

Organizers have also taken steps to stamp out the dust. As vendors set up their stalls, workers put the finishing touches on new permanent additions, like the kitchen and the country store. Store manager Dana Daugherty: "Mostly the campers for anything they've forgotten and some of the concertgoers."

Some campers arrived surprisingly early, although they all appeared to be out, possibly taking in downtown Pryor, something local business owners are eager to see. John Killingsworth, clothing store manager: "It brings the economy a boost in Pryor and it's up to us to capitalize on that a lot of people come through and it makes an impression and they'll be back to see us."

Last year's event drew more than 32,000 people, but organizers say this year they've gotten a lot more publicity out of the area. They've also focused on providing more services for campers.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or you can buy them online at www.countryfeverfest.com.